FACTS ABOUT MACROPINNA MICROSTOMA

-Macropinna microstoma is the only species of fish in the genus Macropinna

-It has a highly unusual transparent, fluid-filled dome on its head, through which the lenses of its eyes can be seen.

-The eyes have a barrel shape and can be rotated to point either forward or straight up, looking through the fish's transparent dome.

-In low light conditions, they assume a prey is near by it’s silhouette.

-MBARI researchers Bruce Robison and Kim Reisenbichler observed that when prey such as small fish and jellyfish are spotted, Macropinna Microstoma’s eyes rotate like binoculars, facing forward as it turns its body from a horizontal to a vertical position to feed

-They have a tiny mouth and their body is covered in scales.

-They appeared nearly motionless in the water, at a depth of about 600 metres (2,000 ft) to 800 metres (2,600 ft).

-It has been known to science since 1939, however it is not known to be photographed alive until 2004.

-Scientists back then did not know about the transparent dome, as it is usually destroyed when brought up from the depths.